Hernanz, a former treasurer and International Technical Committee (CTI) chair at FISU, was later made the title of Emeritus honorary member of the organisation.

Hernanz served as chairman of FISU’s summer CTI from 1999 to 2007 and was also the Technical Committee chair for basketball between 1969 and 1987.

FISU was informed of Hernanz's passing by his son Roberto Outeiriño Uceda, who was sport and operations director at the Naples 2019 Summer Universiade.

In a letter to inform FISU of the news Uceda wrote: "FISU was a part of my father’s family and I hope that his love and dedication to the university sport world will always be remembered."

FISU President Oleg Matytsin described Hernanz's passing as "a big loss" to the FISU family.

"I had known him for many years and am personally grieving at this terrible news," said Matytsin.

Hernanz is a past recipient of the "Real Orden del Merito Deportivo" from the Spanish Government, in recognition of his lifelong devotion and service to sport.

As well as his various roles at FISU, Hernanz also served as the International Association of Athletics Federations corporate services director for many years. 

The ‘Real Orden del Merito Deportivo’ is the the highest sports award in Spain, and is given to recipients by His Majesty King Juan Carlos.

"Roberto was a tall figure in university sports and the sports world in general," said FISU secretary general and chief executive Eric Saintrond.

“He was FISU treasurer for a long time, as well as the FISU CTI chair and also an Emeritus honorary member. 

"Our deepest condolences to his family.”

FISU first vice-president Leonz Eder described Hernanz as "a great mentor."

"He was like a father figure to many people whose careers he mentored and shaped," said Eder.

"Along with some old pioneers, he was among the generation that built FISU in many ways."